Flood victims in Montreal prepare to go home, apply for financial aid

Frustration and exhaustion boiled over in a hockey arena inDollard-des-Ormeauxthis afternoon,where hundreds of flood victims gathered to learn about the next steps they need to take and what kind of compensation they are entitled to.

Some residents say local authorities and emergency crews were too slow to act when water levels continued to rise.

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"The fire department came to my house after midnight, around 2:30 in the morning, because my house almost caught on fire because the water was just coming in," said Rowan McKenzie.

"They left no pumps, they wouldn't help, they decided there was 'nothing we can do' this is what they said to me forweeks."

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The province isreviewing its compensation program for flood victimsand changes may be forthcoming. Currently, victims are eligible forup to $159,208, excluding the value of the land.

Another $25,000 is available for demolition costs.

"I want to reiterate the will of the government to revise the program in order to help faster and more adequately thevictims of the floods,"Public Security Minister MartinCoiteuxwrote onFacebookon Sunday.

Cautious optimism

As of Sunday, a total of 129 municipalities were still affected by flooding in Quebec. More than 4,500 residents have been evacuated from their homes.

With water levels now receding, the City of Montreal officially lifted its state of emergency on Sunday, one week after the measure was declared.

Elsewhere in the province water levels are also decreasing.

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In Mauricie, officials say water levels won't continue to rise even thoughrain is expected throughout Sunday. Even so, the nearby municipality of Yamachiche has extended its state of emergency for another five days and Louisville is asking the military to stay.

Premier Philippe Couillard announced earlier this week that soldiers will remain in affected areas to help relief efforts.

More information sessions to come

The Quebec government will be holding more information sessions this coming week:

• Pontiac: starting at 6 p.m.at 2024Route 148on May 15.
• Rigaud: 4 p.m.at difice Paul-Brasseurat 10Saint-Jean-Baptiste Streeton May15.
• Deux-Montagnes: 7:30 p.m.at the city hall at 803 Chemin OkaonMay 17.
• Oka: 7:30 p.m.at183, rue desAngeson May 18.
• Ahuntsic-Cartierville: 10 a.m. at the YMCA on 11885 LaurentienBoulevard on May 20.

There will also be temporary offices set up for residents who cannot make the information sessions.

Flood victimswho need financial assistance or have questions about the forms but who can't attend information sessions can call the province at 1-888-643-2433.